Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed details of a new support fund that will provide households with up to £200 in cost-of-living payments. The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) replaces the previous Household Support Fund (HSF) and is designed to help families struggling to afford essentials and bills.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone can submit an application to the CRF, regardless of whether they receive benefits or have savings. However, priority will be given to the most desperate residents, including parents with young children, those struggling to buy food, and those unable to pay for gas and electricity.
How to Claim
Applications must be made through your local council. In Birmingham, the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) handles requests on behalf of the city council. They have stated that the application process remains the same as the previous HSF scheme.
Important Eligibility Criteria
- If you or anyone in your household has received an HSF payment within the past 12 months, you are not eligible and your application will be rejected.
- If you are not currently receiving any support services, including Universal Credit, you may still be eligible for the CRF.
Waiting List Information
If you submitted a successful enquiry since the current scheme opened on May 1, 2026, you have been added to a waiting list. A member of the team in your local area will contact you using the details provided. The BVSC has urged applicants to be patient due to high demand.
All requests for help will be considered, so it is worth checking if you have money worries and applying for support.
